Received my copy of Gothic Beauty magazine, issue # 33 two weeks ago. Reason being why I was looking forward to this particular copy of this publication was due to a certain article. Gothic Beauty was reviewing an L.A. exhibit, “Necessary Discomforts” based on the life of Christian Death vocalist Rozz Williams. To tell you the truth, I was only hoping for a small name mention alongside the other artists showing their work.

As it turns out, a black and white photo had been taken of my Rozz portrait, but Gothic Beauty forgot to give me credit. I’m sure it was an accident, but just in case, I sent an email to the editor. Here’s a photo of the original piece, mediums watercolor and ink:

Still, it felt odd. Here was a subculture I’d been involved with on and off since I was a teenager. At age 15 I was (barely) attending high school as a Siouxsie Sioux clone. Back in the ’80s, I used to purchase Propaganda magazine with my allowance. This subculture has been an influence, along with others when it came to my artwork. So in a way, it felt as if I had come full circle having a piece I’d created in Gothic Beauty. Validation in a way I suppose.

Cover of Gothic Beauty magazine,issue # 33. There's an article about the Rozz Williams tribute show, which I had an illustration exhibited.

Check it out; the Rozz Williams tribute event, “Necessary Discomforts” was featured in Gothic Beauty magazine! Issue # 33 is on sale now. This show I had an illustration exhibited, titled “Rozz.”

Cover of Gothic Beauty magazine,issue # 33. There's an article about the Rozz Williams tribute show, which I had an illustration exhibited.

Everyone that loves Rozz Williams should pick up issue #33 of Gothic Beauty Magazine. Major feature story on ‘Necessary Discomforts: An Artistic Tribute to Rozz Williams’ curated by A Raven Above Press at the Hyaena Gallery. If you don’t get it in your neighborhood, demand it of your local bookstore. Not to be missed!

When I was in high school, I was so immersed in the Goth subculture. Used to read stuff like Propaganda magazine. So many years later, I still can’t believe that an exhibit, in which I had artwork displayed, made it to a publication like Gothic Beauty. An awesome feeling indeed.

Usually I do not sell my originals. Prior to this show in L.A., I held on to all my originals. The only exception was with Tales of Woe, because three of the six illustrations I had done for the book were large in size. I’ll do commissions, but as for for illustration originals, those I keep.

For the Necessary Discomforts show in Los Angeles, there will be a one of a kind piece I’ve created just for this exhibit. Starting tomorrow you can see my illustration on display, along with other great artists over at the Hyena Gallery. Oh, and it’s also for sale. So if you’re looking for “rare” Witchipoo art, this would be the perfect opportunity. Since I can’t be there in person (school), this would be the next best thing. Actually, even better.

"Rozz." Done October 2010. Mediums: pen, ink, ink wash and watercolor. Edges were hand-burned to give it a little bit of that old school Death Rock/Goth touch. Framed. For sale at the Necessary Discomforts (An Artistic Tribute To Rozz Williams), taking place at the Hyena Gallery in Los Angeles, California. Artist: Michele Witchipoo.

The Necessary Discomforts exhibit will be on display from November 12 – November 14 2010. Opening reception: Saturday, November 13th, 2010. Time: 8pm-midnight. Address: 1928 W. Olive Blvd., Burbank, California. There will be an official after-show party at Bar Sinister.

Nationally renowned artists of the macabre will memorialize Rozz Williams, a pioneer of Deathrock and dark art, with a new exhibit entitled Necessary Discomforts, displaying a private collection of his artwork and artistic tributes from those he inspired.

Rozz Williams was the creative force behind bands Christian Death, Shadow Project, Premature Ejaculation, among others. He was a passionate poet and artist that provided meaningful contemplation while pushing the boundaries of what was considered obscene. Artistically he always evolved, but the mainstream had a hard time keeping up. He took his own life in 1998, a tragic end to an artist that was far ahead of his time. The exhibit Necessary Discomforts encompasses artwork by Rozz Williams and those he inspired only at Hyaena Gallery on November 12th thru 14th.

Ryan (Gaumer) Wildstar, friend and artistic collaborator on Whorse’s Mouth with Rozz Williams in 1998, will present an inspired tribute along with over ten notable artists from around the country in the exhibit Necessary Discomforts. These darkly rich tributes will be in the mediums of sculpture, paintings, and illustration.

On November 13th from 8pm to 11pm, Hyaena Gallery will host an artist reception in conjunction with Necessary Discomforts memorializing Rozz Williams life. At this, Ryan Wildstar will perform poetry written by Rozz Williams out of his new book entitled ‘And What About the Bells?’ a deeply personal look inside the life of Rozz Williams, with stories, poems, and interviews with his closest friends. Copies of this book will be available onsite. DJ Dave Bats of Release the Bats will be spinning all night everything Rozz related.

Rozz Williams was born Roger Alan Painter in Glendora, California on November 6, 1963. He took his name from a gravestone in a Pomona cemetery. His first breakthrough came in 1979 with the band Christian Death, a play on the brand Christian Dior. In 1981, he collaborated with performance artist Ron Athey to produce the beginnings of industrial noise in a project called Premature Ejaculation. Always an innovator, Rozz Williams changed the depth of music and art while inspiring subsequent generations of artists. See his artwork along with those he inspired in a special exhibit Necessary Discomforts at Hyaena Gallery on November 12th thru 14th.

*Update October 29th, 2010* STOP PRESS: Artists also participating with artwork are Doriandra (EXP), Ace Farren Ford (EXP), and Paris Sadonis (Shadow Project, EXP, The Whorse’s Mouth). Nico B will have his new film 1334 available (a second part to his film PIG, which focuses on Rozz’s last days), Steve Darrow (Asexuals, Super Heroines) will be displaying a crucifix made by Rozz (he held on the back cover of Only Theatre of Pain album) and some other rare early items.